23.4.09

J-J Burnel- The Euroman Cometh (1979)

Another solo offering from a Strangler.
Triumph Bonneville riding Karate Kid (actually 6th dan and head of Shidokan UK, so I’ll watch my lip) Jean-Jacques Burnel is always near the top of my list of all time great bass players. Listening to early Stranglers records made me yearn for a great big bloody bass of my own.
Given the aggressive power of J-J’s playing on The Stranglers material up to that date, this LP took many people by surprise- with its minimal wave electronica and a forward looking concept of a united Europe. There is a stylish futurism about the whole package, J-J looking like a fugitive from Fahrenheit 451, stands seemingly in awe of the Pompidou Centre.
Guitar on this LP is provided by John Ellis, later a Strangler.